Virginia GM powertrain plant to close

General Motors’ has announced it is closing nine manufacturing plants, including its powertrain plant near Fredericksburg, which employs 83 people.

Four years ago, more than 300 people worked at the plant.

The company also plans to close 2,600 dealers in the U.S., a move that is likely to affect GM’s 144 dealers in Virginia.

GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday. The federal government is giving the automaker $30 billion and will likely own 60 percent of the company. The Canadian government and Ontario will own about 12 percent. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)